Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Team

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Team

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It’s not always easy to know what questions to ask about your care or the care your loved one is receiving. On the following pages, you’ll find lists of questions organized by topic. These questions may be helpful at different times during your treatment. We recommend printing the list and keeping extra copies for your appointments.

To stay organized, use a binder to hold your questions and add some blank notebook paper for taking notes. Try to prepare everything ahead of your appointment. If you have a lot to talk about, think about calling your doctor in advance to ask for a little extra time or see if some of your questions can be answered during a telehealth visit.

Questions to Ask About Insurance Coverage and Medical Bills

  • Who handles concerns and questions about health insurance in this office or medical center? Reach out to your insurance carrier as well.
  • Will this person help me with my health insurance provider?
  • Will this person help me figure out my medical bills and the codes on the bills to make sure they are correct? Before paying bills, compare your bill with your Evidence of Benefits (EOB) from your insurance company. DO NOT pay the bill until you are sure the bill is correct.
  • If an insurance claim is denied, who can help me file a claim? You can find a lot of information on claim appeals on your EOB. Also reach out to a third party, triagecancer.org
  • Is there anyone who can help me organize my expenses, keep track of incoming bills, and plan my budget? Consider a patient advocate. Make sure they are certified. The cost is not covered by insurance. They are independent contractors.

Questions to Ask About Appointment Costs

Appointment costs should cover everything like seeing specialists, getting a second opinion, lab tests, X-rays, and other services to make sure you get the right care.

First, make sure you can get as much coverage in-network as possible.

  • How much is my co-pay for each doctor’s visit? First call your insurance company with the name of the doctor, treatment facility, and procedure and get a copy of the approval from your insurance company. Keep notes of the call, who you spoke with, the date and time of the call, and the outcome.
  • When is this payment due? This would be listed on the bill. If the bill is being challenged, contact your provider’s billing department and let them know ahead of time.
  • If I need multiple doctor visits, is there a policy where I can pay the co-pay only once or not at all (called a waiver)?
  • Do you offer payment plans? Call the billing department or check with the financial counselor at the treatment facility. Ask about hospital charity care.
  • Will I be billed separately for laboratory tests? Are they covered under my insurance? It would be a good idea to make sure that the lab that’s being used is in-network with your insurance plan. If not, see if you can go to an in-network lab.
  • Does my insurance plan cover other doctor visits, such as second opinions, and other specialists? Check with your insurance company to see if the referral or second opinion is in-network. And if not, would it be covered?

Questions to Ask About Costs Related to General Treatment

  • Who can help me estimate the total cost of the recommended plan including office, lab, and treatment facility visits?
  • If I cannot afford this treatment plan based on being underinsured or uninsured or treatment will be out of network, can we consider other insurance coverage options or treatment options that do not cost as much?
  • Are there pre-approvals required before getting any of the recommended treatments?
  • Do you have any financial conflicts of interest in proposing this treatment plan for me?
  • What expenses does my health insurance cover if I need to be admitted to the hospital? And will that hospital and treatment providers be in-network with my insurance plan? (Again, review your insurance or talk to a case worker at the treatment facility. Keep records of the conversation).
  • What expenses does my health insurance cover if I receive treatment as an outpatient? Call your insurer and be aware that emergency room doctors probably are not in-network and will be billed separately. The more preparation you do ahead of the treatment, the better off you’re going to be.
  • Are there ways to change my treatment schedule, if necessary, to work around my job or child care? If this is going to be an issue, review ADA and/or FMLA rules.
  • Will there be a co-pay for each treatment? Again, ask and get this in writing from your insurance plan.
  • Where can I get low-cost or free counseling or support to help me cope with my diagnosis?

Questions to Ask About Costs Related to Medication

  • What is my prescription co-pay for this drug? Check with your insurance company or financial counselor at the treatment facility.
  • Is this prescription a one-time cost, or will it be an ongoing expense?
  • Is there a generic version of this medication that I can use?
  • Can we regularly review my prescriptions to see if there are less expensive options?
  • For supportive medication that manages side effects, is there an over-the-counter medicine that has the same effect as the prescribed drug? Will it be less expensive?
  • Are there programs that can help cover the cost of my drug(s) for cancer treatment or side effects?

Questions to Ask About Costs Related to Clinical Trials

  • What expenses will I have if I join a clinical trial? Contact the clinical trial manager of the specific clinical trial to see what you will be responsible for.
  • What costs are already covered?
  • How do the costs of the clinical trial compare with the costs of the standard treatment? Does one cost more than the other?
  • Can I be reimbursed for any of the costs of the clinical trial?

Questions to Ask About the Costs Related to Family and Living Expenses

  • If I have problems covering basic expenses, such as food or heat, due to the cost of my cancer treatment, are there organizations that can help me?
  • Where can I get low-cost or free child or elder care during treatment?
  • Where can I get free or low-cost personal items, such as a wig, if needed?
  • Is there an organization that can provide low-cost or free counseling or support to me and my family?

Questions to Ask About Costs Related to Employment, Legal, & Financial Issues

  • Who can I talk to if I have lost income because of my treatment? If you know ahead of time, speak to your HR department about protecting your position (ADA, FMLA).
  • If I have on-the-job difficulties related to my cancer, who can help me understand my legal rights?
  • If my caregiver has difficulties at their job because of my cancer, who can help us understand our legal rights?
  • Where can I find out if my medical and related expenses can be deducted from federal income taxes? (Refer to your tax professional).
  • Where can I get low-cost or free help with estate planning and legal issues, such as writing my will or granting a power of attorney?

Questions to Ask About Costs Related to Caregiving, At-Home Care, & Long-Term Care

  • Are there any ways to change my treatment schedule, if necessary, to work around my care partner’s job and schedule? (ADA and FMLA).
  • Can we talk about the costs of care if I do not have a family member or friend to go with me to appointments or to care for me at home?
  • Are there local organizations that can give low-cost or free home care or other services?
  • Should I plan financially for long-term medical care, such as a nursing home or hospice care?

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